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April 3, 2013

DefenseReview (DR) recently got a chance to handle the new KRISS USA Sphinx SDP SubCompact and Sphinx SDP Standard model 9mm Parabellum/9x19mm NATO semi-auto pistols at SHOT Show 2013, and the new pistols (and accessories) are impressive, particularly the ergonomics and quality of manufacturer. While we didn't ge to test-fire them at the range, we did get to test-fire the Sphinx SDP Compact 9mm Pistol at SHOT Show 2012 Media Day. The gun was accurate and went bang every time we and everyone else we watched pull the trigger. If the new models perform as well as the Sphinx SDP Compact, KRISS USA / Sphinx Arms will be in very good shape. Speaking of the SDP Compact, there's a Sphinx SDP Compact Kryptonight Edition pistol with DEFIANCE H.A.L.O. H3F Tactical Sights and an OD Green-looking gripframe that gives the pistol a nice two-tone look. It certainly looks pretty cool in the photo.

Duncan Ball of KRISS USA, Sphinx Arms and DEFIANCE took us through the new guns at the KRISS USA/Sphinx Arms/DEFIANCE booth at SHOT, and we really appreciated his time. The Sphinx guns are just really well designed and executed.

DR noted the following things wen we handled them at SHOT:

- The grip design on the pistols is superlative, with an ideal grip angle.
– The DA/SA triggers are excellent (smooth and crisp).
– The manual safety / decocking lever is well-placed and easy to operate
– The slide tapering and serrations are exceptionally well executed and look great.
– The DEFIANCE H3F fiber-optic/tritium sights are terrific, and as nice a combat sight as we've seen out there.
– Nice flared magwell for fast reloads.

So, what's not to like? Nothing. It's all pretty great. These pistols are a bit on the expensive side, but rember that these are high-end production tactical/combat pistols, and quality costs. If you're looking for a high-quality DA/SA semi-auto pistol, you'd do well to give the Sphinx guns a serious look.

DR's primary concealed carry (CCW) pistol is a Glock 19 (G19), but we'd really like to try out the Sphinx SDP Compact and/or the Sphinx SDP Sub-Compact, at some point, for comparison. We'd probably opt for the sweep-down, frame-mounted manual thumb safety version, since we like carrying hammer-fired pistols cocked and locked, but the manually-decocking version is nice, too, simpler, and closer to our G19 in operation (no safety), so less retraining woud be required.

The following information on the new Sphinx pistols comes directly from teh KRISS USA Sphinx Arms website (slightly edited for readability and presentation):

SPHINX SDP SUBCOMPACT 9MM PISTOL

THE SPHINX® SDP SUBCOMPACT IS THE LIGHTWEIGHT OF THE SPHINX SDP LINE. THE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR CONCEALED CARRY OR BACKUP WEAPON.

The new Sphinx® SDP SubCompact is a in Double-Action/Single-Action pistol with an ambidextrous decocking lever and magazine catch featuring six safeties.

An integrated recoil buffer provides improves the weapon accuracy. The full-length guide rails are not inserts like many other pistols, but machined in, providing additional strength and increasing accuracy levels.

The lower part of the frame or grip is made from a proprietary polymer. Its compact concealed carry size make the SDP SubCompact an ideal choice for low profil carry or as a backup weapon.

THE SPHINX® SDP STANDARD IS THE HIGH END PISTOL SERIES OF THE SDP LINE. THE PREFERRED CHOICE OF COMPETITION AND ADVANCED SHOOTERS WORLDWIDE.

The new Sphinx® SDP STANDARD is a in Double-Action/Single-Action pistol with an ambidextrous decocking lever and magazine catch featuring six safeties.

An integrated recoil buffer improves the weapon’s accuracy. The full-length guide rails are not inserts like many other pistols, but machined in, providing additional strength and increasing accuracy levels. The integrated Picatinny rail is made from MIL-STD 1913 aluminum with 6-notches to hold a variety of accessories including lights and lasers.

The lower part of the frame or grip is made from aeronautic grade aluminium. The ergonomic, 3-component grip is made from soft and hard material for a comfortable, confident hold. Three interchangeable grip sizes (Small, Medium, and Large) are available.

THE SPHINX® SDP COMPACT IS THE TACTICAL VERSION OF THE SDP LINE. THE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR SELF-DEFENSE OR LE/MIL DUTY REQUIREMENTS.

The new Sphinx® SDP Compact is a in Double-Action/Single-Action pistol with an ambidextrous decocking lever and magazine catch featuring six safeties.

An integrated recoil buffer improves the weapon’s accuracy. The full-length guide rails are not inserts like many other pistols, but machined in, providing additional strength and increasing accuracy levels. The integrated Picatinny rail is made from MIL-STD 1913 aluminum with 4-notches to hold a variety of accessories including lights and lasers.

The lower part of the frame or grip is made from a proprietary polymer that will not break down in either extreme hot or cold environments. The ergonomic, 3-component grip is made from soft and hard material for a comfortable, confident hold. Three interchangeable grip sizes (Small, Medium, and Large) are available.

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.